WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House Committee on Small Business is holding a hearing titled “Wired for Growth: How Expanding Broadband Can Revitalize Rural Small Businesses.”

Chairman Roger Williams’ opening statement as prepared for delivery:

Welcome to today’s hearing titled, “Wired for Growth: How Expanding Broadband Can Revitalize Rural Small Businesses.”

I want to begin by thanking our witnesses for being here today. Access to reliable, affordable broadband is not a luxury; it is a necessity for small businesses, families, students, and communities across America. In rural areas in particular, broadband can mean the difference between growth and stagnation, and between new opportunities and being left behind.

For years, we have heard the frustration from rural entrepreneurs who cannot compete on a level playing field because of slow or nonexistent internet service. They cannot expand their markets, streamline operations, or use new technologies. That divide is real and holds back small businesses and the communities they serve. That is why I have been proud to introduce legislation over the years that would eliminate the digital divide.

Further, broadband deployment must be free from political interference. That is why I am encouraged by the steps taken by the Trump Administration to reduce red tape, lower costs, and accelerate broadband deployment, ultimately improving connectivity opportunities. 

By cutting through the regulatory burdens that slowed investment and innovation for far too long, the Trump Administration is ensuring that rural communities finally get connected. President Trump promised to put America first, ensuring every American has the tools to thrive in the modern economy.

Today’s hearing is about listening to small businesses and rural providers who are experiencing this challenge. As legislators and advocates for Main Street in Washington, we need to better understand what is working, where the roadblocks remain, and how we can continue to build on the progress for small business owners, broadband providers, and local leaders.

Our Committee is committed to ensuring that rural small businesses have the same opportunities as those in our cities and suburbs. Broadband is critical infrastructure, workforce development, education, and healthcare. Most importantly, it is freedom—freedom to innovate, compete, and succeed.

I want to thank our witnesses again for joining us today, and I look forward to the discussion ahead as we work to ensure that rural America is not left behind in the 21^st century economy. 

With that, I will yield to our distinguished Ranking Member from New York, Ms. Velázquez.

###